Beach balls, giant dice, and Twister tips: talk-starter tools

Starting meaningful conversations with middle schoolers can be a challenge (see more here).

Whether in Campaigners or Cabin Time, here are a few ideas for using favorite x categories (perfect for getting to know kids), something x topics (great for breaking the ice into more meaningful conversations), or one thing x questions (helpful for leading to deeper club talk discussions).

These tools won’t facilitate full-blown leader-led meaningful conversations, but they will help get things rolling.

1. Make some BBCs – aka “beach ball chatter” – using Sharpie and various sized beach balls. Toss the ball from person to person, making sure everyone has a chance to catch and converse about whatever question or category is under their right hand/left hand/right thumb/left thumb/whatever.